I've always had a love/hate relationship with my obsession. My main obsession is running which has had numerous positive impacts on my life. It has kept me fit and healthy (except for my near constant anxiety or depression) and I've met many people through the sport. Almost all of my close friends are through running. All of them but one. Running is one of the few things that has been a constant in my life through the majority of it. I recently placed in the top 15 of a race with nearly 11,000 participants. While I was very happy with the results, part of me hates the fact that the thing I really love to do and am really good at also makes me feel different from others. Part of me just wants to be average at something. Rather than being either elite or awful at things. It seems like there is never an in between. Being elite makes me stand out. And my deficits make me stand out. I just want to blend in for once.
Overall my obsession has been a positive for me. It has had some negatives though. I've probably put too much energy towards running at times in my life at the expense of other things. It is difficult to find that right balance, but I've gotten better. A positive is that it helps me manage my anxiety and depression. I don't always enjoy running, but it is a coping mechanism for me as much as it is a passion of mine.
Overall my obsession has been a positive for me. It has had some negatives though. I've probably put too much energy towards running at times in my life at the expense of other things. It is difficult to find that right balance, but I've gotten better. A positive is that it helps me manage my anxiety and depression. I don't always enjoy running, but it is a coping mechanism for me as much as it is a passion of mine.